Creating a great basement
Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) basements are becoming popular in new construction, and for good reason. They provide excellent insulation values, great structural rigidity, are cost-effective and can simplify development of the interior. ICF walls are constructed using styrofoam blocks, which are then poured full of concrete, with steel bars (rebar) inserted in the concrete. The result is a reinforced concrete wall with styrofoam insulation on both the interior and exterior sides. Finishing of interior walls is possible for anyone with basic knowledge of tools and construction.
Instructions
Installation of Infrastructure in ICF Walls
1. Install waterproofing membrane on the exterior of the ICF wall, below grade, before backfilling.
2. Drill the wall and install sleeves for required penetrations--(electrical wire, vacuum system, etc.--if these were not installed when the wall was poured
3. Plan routing of electric wire and locations of boxes, and mark these on the Styrofoam.
4. Use the chainsaw, router or circular saw to cut the Styrofoam where the electrical materials will be located.
5. Press the boxes and wire into the Styrofoam, and wire as required.
6. Follow the same procedure for other items, such as computer wiring, vacuum systems and security wiring.
Finishing the Walls
7. Locate the plastic ties in the styrofoam blocks--these are generally identified by a series of Xs. Mark the locations of these onto the drywall.
8. Apply adhesive--desirable, but not mandatory--to the Styrofoam.
9. Place drywall onto the Styrofoam, lining the marks up with the plastic tie locations (refer to Step 1).
10. Insert drywall screws into the drywall as marked. These will go into the plastic ties for a solid fit.
11. Complete this process for all ICF walls. Finish the drywall as required.
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